McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom by Stewart Wilson

Regarded as one of the great combat aircraft of the modern era, the Phantom has proved itself equally formidable in a variety of roles. As a fighter, bomber, or reconnaissance aircraft, the Phantom has excelled, proving itself in battle in Vietnam, the Middle East and elsewhere.

Developed as a naval fighter, the Phantom's extraordinary capabilities meant it could not be ignored by the US Air Force and land based versions quickly evolved. A mainstay of the US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, it also found a ready export market, serving with 11 other nations of which nine still had it in front line service at the start of the 21st century.